Magic’s Nik Vucevic Focused on Getting Better

In the last three games, the Orlando Magic have shown that their young talented players have grown since last season. Nik Vucevic started off slow last season but by mid-December 2012 he was averaging a double-double. Throughout the 2012-13 season he stayed focused on getting better and his game improved as a result. His focus and determination from last season has carried over to this season.

Vucevic led the Magic with 30 points and 21 rebounds against the Clippers Wednesday night. This season, he has been aggressive on both ends of the court and brings energy and determination the entire game.

Currently Vucevic is averaging 17.8 points per game, 13.2 rebounds per game, 2.6 assists per game, 1.2 blocks per game and 1.2 steals per game.

One of Vucevic’s goals is to become an All-Star but knows he has a long way to go. After the Clippers win, rookie Victor Oladipo said that Vucevic is one of the best bigs in the league and if he keeps on getting better the sky is the limit for him.

Last season, Vucevic was just .5 rebounds per game behind matching Dwight Howard for best rebounding average in the NBA.

Vucevic arrived in Orlando after General Manager Rob Hennigan ignited a 12 player trade surrounding Dwight Howard. In the trade Orlando landed Vucevic and Maurice Harkless from the 76ers. He was very under the radar prior to his trade in August of 2012. Some even questioned Hennigan’s decision to acquire Vucevic.

At the young age of 23, Vucevic still has a lot of room to grow and learn as a player. Some are surprised to see how mature and how high his basketball IQ is for a young guy. Vucevic grew up watching his father play professional basketball in Europe. His dad coached him for many years and still gives him advice on how to improve.

While the Magic rebuild their team it is clear that center Vucevic is a key player on the roster. He is the only true center for the Magic, which says that the team is very confident in his talents and attitude.

It’s mid-August so it means basketball fans can start planning out their schedules for the upcoming season. The National Basketball Association released the schedule for the 2014-15 season on Wednesday night. Her